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Reaching the statute books last month, Grenelle 1, as it was dubbed, sets out the broad policy and confirms France's European commitment that by 2020 at least 23% of final energy consumption will come from renewable resources. To meet this target, wind is expected to provide around 25 GW of installed capacity, of which 6 GW will be offshore. Intermediary targets for each sector will be established later this year, with a progress report in 2012.
The policy confirms that each region of France must draw up a "renewable energy plan" by July 2010, identifying its potential and establishing where wind power plant can be built. It also states that improvements will be made to the grid to increase the uptake of renewable energies, and to the local consultation and the regulatory frameworks.
Local authorities interested in installing their own generating capacity will be pleased to note that the government will consider allowing them to benefit from the guaranteed premium purchase price for electricity.
Research will prioritise renewable energies, and EUR1 billion will be allocated to sustainable development research - including climate change and "energies of the future." The policy also stipulates that the amount spent on research into clean technologies and protecting the environment will gradually increase to equal that spent on civil nuclear research.
The draft bill for Grenelle 2, the crucial piece of legislation that will specify how the policies will be implemented, is expected to have its first hearing in this month with a final version approved by the end of the year.
It also remains to be seen exactly how these measures will be financed. In his speech at the conclusion of the Grenelle summit in October 2007, President Nicolas Sarkozy said that "there can be no question of raising the tax rate" and promised that "Grenelle taxes will finance Grenelle decisions," referring to carbon pricing, fossil-fuel taxes and so forth.
Sarkozy confirmed his support for the Grenelle in June this year, saying that renewable energy will dominate the government agenda, as nuclear energy did in the 1960s. While France will not abandon its nuclear platform, the President stated that "to think we do not need renewable energies is an error," and repeated his commitment to meet the 2020 target: "We are at 10% today; we will be at 23% in 2020 ... It is a minimum and under no circumstances a maximum."
He then asked environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo to conduct a general review of the "state of play" of renewable energies in France this autumn. Exactly what form this will take remains unclear, but meanwhile, Borloo has commissioned a report designed to identify the obstacles that might hinder progress towards the 2020 target, particularly regarding wind and solar power. Preliminary findings will be produced in the autumn, followed by a full report next spring.


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Jabari is finished his swimming lessons and has passed his swim test. Now there is one more thing he wants to do, but … maybe he should do some stretches first. Even though it looks easy, when Jabari is faced with the height and depth of the jump itself, he is going to need some courage. His wise Dad comes to the rescue with the best encouragement of all. He tells Jabari to think of it as a 'surprise' rather than a scary new thing, and that makes all the difference.
When I was taking piano lessons, my teacher Judy taught me a valuable life lesson on courage. When I was afraid that nerves would hamper my piano exam, she said something that has stood me in good stead ever since. She said, "Instead of dreading it, just try looking forward to it. See it as something that you can't wait to get to." Like Jabari, the positive twist of thinking of the scary thing as a 'surprise' was the key to helping him make the big splash.
Gaia Cornwall loved swimming when she was little and Jabari Jumps is her first picture book. I loved the illustrations which are beautifully done in warm water colours! The pictures capture the excitement and fun of a day's outing to the pool. Road tested by a teacher friend of mine, kids love this book, evidenced by the neat student work they produced. Here is a sample!

subset: commoncrawl


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BROOKLYN BOOK FESTIVAL BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY SEPT 16th 7pm
WHAT: Pitchapalooza is American Idol for books (only kinder & gentler). Twenty writers will be selected at random to pitch their book. Each writer gets one minute—and only one minute! Dozens of writers have gone from talented amateurs to professionally published authors as a result of participating in Pitchapalooza, including Genn Albin, our KC winner who got a 3-book mid-six figure deal with Farrar Straus & Giroux.
WHO: Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry are co-founders of The Book Doctors, a company dedicated to helping authors get their books published. They are also co-authors of The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published: How To Write It, Sell It, and Market It… Successfully (Workman, 2010). Arielle Eckstut has been a literary agent for over 20 years at The Levine Greenberg Literary Agency. She is also the author of nine books and the co-founder of the iconic brand, LittleMissMatched. David Henry Sterry is the best-selling author of 16 books, on a wide variety of subject including memoir, sports, YA fiction and reference. His first book has been translated into 10 languages and optioned by HBO, his latest book was featured on the cover of the Sunday New York Times Book Review. They've taught their workshop on how to get published everywhere from Stanford University to Smith College. They have appeared everywhere from The New York Times to NPR's Morning Edition to USA Today.
HOW: At Pitchapalooza, judges will help you improve your pitch, not tell you how bad it is. Judges critique everything from idea to style to potential in the marketplace and much, much more. Authors come away with concrete advice as well as a greater understanding of the ins and outs of the publishing industry. Whether potential authors pitch themselves, or simply listen to trained professionals critique each presentation, Pitchapalooza is educational and entertaining for one and all. From Miami to Portland, from LA to NYC, and many stops along the way, Pitchapaloozas have consistently drawn standing-room-only crowds, press and blog coverage, and the kind of bookstore buzz reserved for celebrity authors.
PRIZE: At the end of Pitchapalooza, the judges will pick a winner. The winner receives an introduction to an agent or publisher appropriate for his/her book.
PRICE OF ADMISSION: To sign up to pitch, you must purchase a copy of The Essential Guide To Getting Your Book Published. Anyone who buys a copy of receives a FREE 20 minute consultation, a $100 value. If you don't want to pitch, the event is FREE.
WHEN: September 16, 7pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library 10 Grand Army Plaza http://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/central
Brooklyn Book Festival http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/BBF/Home
Washington Post: http://www.thebookdoctors.com/the-book-doctors-pitchapalooza-in-washington-post
New York Times article: http://tinyurl.com/3tkp4gl.
Pitchapalooza mini movie: http://bit.ly/vm9YSu
Pitchapalooza on NBC: http://www.thebookdoctors.com/the-book-doctors-pitchapalooza-on-nbc-television
Here's what people are saying about Pitchapalooza:
"We came to Pitchapalooza with an idea and six months later we got a book deal with a prominent publisher. We simply couldn't have done this without this opportunity and without David and Arielle. We had been working on this project for several years, on our own, and struggling without any guidance. We were really discouraged by the entire process. Winning Pitchapalooza, and working with these two, really helped us focus and renew our enthusiasm in the project. And now we're going to be published authors!"—Nura Maznavi and Ayesha Mattu, Pitchapalooza winners Litquke, San Francisco, Oct. 2010
Here's what people are saying about The Essential Guide To Getting Your Book Published:
"I started with nothing but an idea, and then I bought this book. Soon I had an A-list agent, a near six-figure advance, and multiple TV deals in the works. Buy it and memorize it. This little tome is the quiet secret of rockstar authors."—New York Times best-selling author Timothy Ferris, The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich,


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ONE called for expressions of interest to be in by 2 March, after which it plans to issue the main tender to prequalified bidders in the second quarter.
The projects are to be built on a build, own, operate and transfer basis as public-private partnerships with ONE, the Energy Investment Company and the Hassan II Fund for Economic & Social Development, all state-owned.
The projects fall under the country's integrated wind-power programme, launched June 2010, which targets 1GW split between five sites: Tangiers (150MW), Koudia al Badia (300MW), Taza (150MW), Laayoune (300MW) and Boujdour (100MW). The plant are scheduled to come on line between 2014 and 2020.
At the same time, ONE launched a tender for the procurement and maintenance of a 200MW plant.


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Remember these little Munchkins?
(Yes, Mom, I know you're so excited to finally see pictures up!)
These are the same two who have been growing like crazy and occupying all of our time. Not like I mind, of course, but GEEZ, slow down!
In the early part of the fall, Elaina learned to ride a 2- wheel bicycle all by herself. After weeks of the training wheels barely touching the ground on her bike, she felt that she was ready to take a spin sans extra wheels. With only a few slight steady, starts from her dad, she was off like a flash and didn't turn back.
As for this little guy, he is pure speed on his scooter. He rides his 2 wheel scooter like it's his job! The first few weeks of the winter season were tough on Lincoln. With each passing day, the weather grew colder and he became more bitter about not being able to go outside to ride his scooter. It was pure torture for us to hurry him inside from the cold weather only to leave his scooter alone, without a rider for days on end. Eric has caved a few times, bundling the kids up and taking them out on clear days and letting them enjoy some time to zip around the driveway for a short while. Even if the weather was in the low 40's. And this girl... oh yeah! This big girl started Pre-K at school! Elaina goes 3 half days during the week and absolutely loves being in school. Her enthusiasm hasn't wavered in the months since school began. In my telephone conference with her teacher last week, she reported that Elaina is one of her brightest students in the class (of 10) and very social and friendly. The teachers have been impressed with her language skills and memory. Pre-K has been an excellent experience for Elaina, but it leaves this 4 year-old beat by the end of the school day. Oh, the hectic life of a preschooler!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Remember these little Munchkins?
Handcrafted by Laura at 10:47 PM 0 Welcome Comments
Because everyone needs a starting point...
Even if it's to restart a project for the 4th or even 5th time.
The good news; I'm energized. I'm refreshed. I want to renew my blog! (and get my Lovely, Well-Meaning Family off my back over Blog Guilt!)
I'm not going to spend a moment longer dwelling on why I have taken such a long hiatus from blogging other than to say that it's a blog worth saving!
My fresh approach: tidbits.
Yep. Tidbits of our lives. As they happen. I'm not the best writer, nor am I the most witty, but my kids and some of our daily occurrences are well worth noting and a blog is just the spot for all of that. Of course it always has been, but I'm considering this my written permission slip for "quantity performance" over "quality." It's a recession People; it's time for cutting back!
Join me in a toast: "Long Live THE BLOG!!"
Handcrafted by Laura at 10:32 PM 1 Welcome Comments


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|Dave's debut: Disasters stymie Matthews' move into movies
|Sticky Mickey: Could Bronx scandal have halted local film?
|Grisham's plea: A time to conserve
|He's baaack: The Marshall Plan 2002: Shut the door to Albemarle, ASAP
|John and Breece: Casey reflects on the summer's hottest re-release
|Source material: West Virginia life inspired writer
|Where were you? 9Eleven remembered
|Backpacking 1803: Explore like Lewis and Clark
|Toaster museum? Kitchen nostalgia pops up everywhere
|Edgar Bronfman Sr: The man behind the meat
|Slicing the facts: Can Georgetown's meat be beat?
|Home on the range: Georgetown Farm's where the buffalo roam
|Toy story: New adult shop has town buzzing
|Risky business: Porn-loving merchant does his time
|Sonic boom: Local sound scene doesn't just rock
|Poison Ivy: If you build it, they will scream
|On display: Does the public really want public art?
|Trail nix: Rivanna neighbor just says no to hikers
|Trouble on Walton's Mountain
|Chronicler of the lost Lost South
|Agnes Cross-White
|Debbie Wyatt
|Genevieve Murphy
|Suzanne Jessup Staton
|Suzanne Jessup Staton
|Amy Griffith
|Kandi Kessler Comer
|Ann Taylor
|Cheri Lewis
|Joan Schatzman


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Washington DC is a natural focus for students interested in learning and experiencing first hand the political world in the capital of the United States. Ithaca College has entered into an agreement with Cornell University that allows IC students to participate in Cornell's Washington Semester Program. For details click here.
DC is a perfect fit for politics majors, who can take courses on many aspects of US politics and working in internships in many different governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
Politics students have in recent years done internships in the following places:
- Center for American Progress
- ACLU Prison Project
- DC Central Kitchen (an organization devoted to feeding the homeless)
- U.S. State Department
- Beyond Nuclear
- Institute for Policy Studies
- U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg
- Sierra Club
- Greenpeace
- Center for American Progress
- U.S. Representative Jerrod Nadler
- U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
- U.S. Representative Solomon Ortiz
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Center for Refugees and Immigrants
- U.S. Representative Nydia Velasquez
More information on the program, how to apply and other information about the Washington Semester Program.


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News & Notes: Game 86
Follow the Herd:
Listen to the Game Live: CLICK HERE!
Bisons Baseball Network: CLICK HERE!
Email the Broadcast Team: CLICK HERE!
Everything about the Herd: CLICK HERE!
Get to a Bisons Game: CLICK HERE!
REMINDER: Today's game is being played in Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY because of drainage issues at PNC Field in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
TODAY'S GAME: This afternoon, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in the second game of a two-game series at Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY (12:00 p.m.). Buffalo has won four straight, including a sweep of a two-game series against the Pawtucket Red Sox on Thursday and Friday. This game is the final game before the International League's three-day All-Star break.
ROADIE DETOUR: Yesterday's and today's games between the Bisons and Yankees are being played in Syracuse, NY because of drainage issues at the Yankees' PNC Field. The last time the Herd knowingly had a change in venue was September 16 & 17, 2004. Buffalo lucked out then as hurricane conditions in Richmond, VA forced the entire Governors' Cup Championship series to be played in Buffalo. The Bisons won Games 3 and 4 as the "road" team to capture their sixth IL Championship.
vs. THE YANKS: The Bisons are 3-6 against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this year. The Yankees swept a four-game series from Buffalo on April 13-16, but the Herd has won three of the last five games. The Bisons hold the 94-90 (.511) advantage in the series since returning to the IL in 1998.
GREAT START: LHP Ken Takahashi made his first start with the Bisons on Tuesday and delivered six shutout innings against the Yankees. The 40-year old rookie earned the start by posting a 0.95ERA in nine games out of the Bisons bullpen. Takahashi has allowed just one earned run in 13.1 innings of work since being optioned from the New York Mets on June 23.
HOT JAVY: INF Javier Castillo has the longest hit streak for a Bison this year. Castillo has hit in 15 straight, averaging .386 (22-57) with three doubles, three home runs and six RBI since June 26. Castillo has now hit in 22 of 26 total games with the Bisons. With his RBI last night, the infielder has averaged .455 (10-22, 10RBI) with runners in scoring position with the Bisons.
NO REST FOR STARS: RHP Nelson Figueroa and manager Ken Oberkfell don't have 3 days off as both are traveling to Portland, OR for Wednesday's Triple-A All-Star game. Figueroa has posted a 2.50ERA in 14 starts -the 5th best ERA in the International League. He leads the Herd with 5 wins.


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Purchasing from abroad? Please click here.
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Drawn cup needle roller bearings are needle roller bearings with thin, deep drawn outer rings. They have a very low cross section & they have high load carrying capacity
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Checking In On… the Big East ConferencePosted by Brian Goodman on February 6th, 2012
Brian Otskey is the RTC correspondent for the Big East conference. You can find him on Twitter @botskey.
Reader's Take
The Week That Was
- Fab Melo Returns: After missing three games due to an academic issue, Fab Melo returned to the Syracuse lineup Saturday afternoon in New York. Melo scored a career-high 14 points in 21 minutes but, more importantly, changed the dynamic of Syracuse on both ends of the floor. Melo's return adds some rebounding, opens up the middle for others to drive and score/dish and gives the Orange a defensive anchor in the middle of their zone. Melo doesn't block every shot, but he alters a very high number. With the Brazilian big man roaming the paint, Syracuse is a legitimate national championship contender, something that was plainly evident on Saturday. Despite a backloaded schedule coming into view over the next few weeks, I'd be surprised if Syracuse loses another regular season game.
- Pittsburgh Is Back: Oh Jamie Dixon, why did we doubt you? We should have known better. After starting the conference season 0-7, Pittsburgh has won four straight games and is actually in a position to make a run at the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers' resurgence has been keyed by the return of Tray Woodall and better play defensively. Woodall scored a career-high 29 points against Villanova on Sunday and the Panthers held the Wildcats to 36% shooting. That's the Pittsburgh defense we've grown accustomed to over the years and if it keeps up, Pittsburgh will go dancing. Pitt faces a crucial week. It must take at least one (preferably both) road game of the two at South Florida and Seton Hall between now and Sunday. If the Panthers can get both, they'll be 6-7 with three of their final five games at home. I actually feel safe saying something that would have been considered outrageous just two weeks ago: I believe Pittsburgh will be in the NCAA Tournament.
- Order Being Restored: Pittsburgh has won four straight. Seton Hall has lost six straight. South Florida lost by 30 at Georgetown on Saturday. Louisville has turned it around. All of that tells you something, doesn't it? The Big East is shuffling back into place as we head into the home stretch of the season. While the Pirates and Bulls were nice early-season surprises and feel-good stories, reality has set in. Seton Hall was ranked in the top 25 as recently as January 9, but hasn't won a game since a victory over DePaul the following day. The Pirates are anemic offensively and can hardly shoot 30% against any opponent. I wrote a piece last week about what has gone wrong at the Hall, but it shows no signs of stopping this tailspin anytime soon. South Florida remains at 6-4, but four of its final seven games are on the road as the schedule stiffens. The Bulls will play Pittsburgh twice, Syracuse, Cincinnati, Louisville and West Virginia down the stretch. Expect their 6-4 record to turn into something like 8-10 rather quickly. Even if that happens, it has still been a successful season for Stan Heath and his team. Nobody expected them to win even six or seven league games.
Power Rankings
- Syracuse (23-1, 10-1) – What a difference one player makes. Syracuse played only once last week, but Fab Melo's return sparked the Orange to dunk-filled 95-70 win over hapless St. John's at Madison Square Garden. The win, Jim Boeheim's 879th, pulled him into a tie with legendary North Carolina coach Dean Smith for third place on the all-time wins list. Boeheim has this team humming right along and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Syracuse scored 53 bench points against the Red Storm, once again showing off its incredible depth and talent. Michael Carter-Williams electrified the Garden crowd with this dunk while C.J. Fair, Dion Waiters and Kris Joseph also played very well for the Orange. Syracuse shot 56% for the game. The schedule gets tougher in February but Syracuse should be favored in every game from here on out. This week: 2/8 vs. #15 Georgetown, 2/11 vs. Connecticut. Read the rest of this entry »


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Posts tagged 'grow'
- Parents CAN make mistakes too. on January 19, 2016
a blog about being brave in joy and in pain
Coffee makes all stories better. Drinking my coffee and lettin' the stories roll.
Just the random musings from the good days and the bad, on a journey to find a happy medium of the girl I used to be and the wiser woman I have become!
Welcome to the world of cats!
Searching for Authentic Omaha
"If you want to change the world, who do you begin with: yourself or others?" - Solzhenitsyn
a blog sponsored by the MAMA BEARS ORGANIZATION - for more info visit realmamabears.org
19th & early to mid-20th century Georgia photographers & their associates
Laugh at yourself, enjoy life and leave the rest to God!
Searching for Inspiring Messages from Inspiring People
The Grumblings Of Gaming Eccentricity
Helpful advice for parenting teens and pre-teens
A blog by Traci Rylands


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The beautiful thing about economics is that it is still part art and not all science. Look hard enough and you can always find an economist to support your view. In fact, a lot of economic reports are created to justify a market position or view, rather than to accurately forecast or explain the market. Still, there's always a lot to be learned from these economists.
When I worked at CattleFax, there were certain people who were must-reads and I learned a lot from them. However, you always had to keep in mind the paradigm through which the individual was looking at the world. Some are almost always bearish, others almost universally bullish.
It's been a very difficult recently to be a dyed-in-the-wool bear regarding the industry. Eventually, they'll be right again, but it's been a difficult run of late. Conversely, the bulls look brilliant today. That doesn't mean that the bears are wavering, however; in fact, they're getting more vocal.
The crutch of the bears' argument is something like this – the higher prices we've enjoyed the last 18 months are great but unsustainable. They contend that for the long-term health of the industry, prices must and should decline.
What doesn't add up for me is the claim that consumers can't afford, or are unwilling to pay for, our product at current demand levels. Nonetheless, beef demand actually grew this year, while pork and poultry have faced a harder time.
The bears point to the declining number of cows, fewer producers and lower per-capita consumption, and lament a contracting industry. They claim that the key to building the industry back is to lower prices.
First of all, per-capita consumption tells a lot of stories, but it's not an indicator of demand. Domestic per-capita consumption is simply production minus exports, divided by the number of people. While per-capita consumption is negatively influenced by population growth and growth of exports, that's not necessarily a bad thing from an industry or producer viewpoint.
Supply is the other big factor driving the consumption number. As my ex-boss used to say about beef consumption, "They'll eat whatever we produce (they don't throw it in the ocean); the only question is at what price will they consume it."
Drivers of industry size
Industry size is driven by three primary factors – profitability, efficiency, and external drivers like weather or government interference in the marketplace. Of course, cow numbers aren't a great indicator of demand, as fewer producers are today producing with millions of fewer cows as much beef as they did decades ago. Increases in efficiency have led to more production per cow, and the ability for one operation to run more cows has contributed to decreasing numbers of cows and producers.
Of course, events like prolonged drought, BSE, ethanol and, perhaps country-of-origin labeling, have impacted the economics of the business enough that the industry downsized to adjust to the new economic realities. Some of these impacts are reversible, however. For instance, we've essentially erased much of the export losses we experienced as a result of BSE.
However, we haven't seen a major shift in demand in reaction to higher prices. That means that according to supply, which is driven by profitability, we will move up and down the demand line in relation to our production levels. If production increases at a rate exceeding the growth in population or exports, then prices will move downward; if production doesn't keep pace with those factors, prices will move up.
The key is profitability. If we're making significant returns, the herd will expand; if we're losing money, it will contract. Some of the bears point to declining per-capita consumption as an indication that consumers are rejecting our product. In actuality, it simply reflects declining supply, past profitability, expected profitability and weather constraints.
While it's incorrect to use per-capita consumption as a demand indicator, these folks still have hit the crux of the argument – if we are to grow the industry, we must increase profitability. In the short term, the feeding and packing sectors have subsidized the cow-calf sector, as they've attempted to purchase future supply by increasing cow-calf profitability. Ultimately, however, industry profitability must be measured across all segments and viewed from a total systems approach. Profitability is influenced by many factors, but none more so than the number of dollars coming into our industry.
Higher fuel and land values, and higher grain and forage costs driven by global demand for grains as both fuel, feed and food have led to a dramatic increase in overall production costs; that's something no economist disputes. We can increase profits by increasing value, or lowering costs.
Part of the contraction in our industry has been driven by these two factors, but that's where the math becomes real fuzzy. As a seedstock producer, this gets a little tricky for me because we've always emphasized moderate milk and mature size, and highly feed-efficient cattle. Our environment puts certain restraints on production that producers can't ignore, so we're big-time advocates of matching cows to the environment.
With that said, we have to be intellectually honest and admit that cow size is about matching production to resources and risk management, more so than there being some magical size that is more profitable or biologically efficient. I understand that economic efficiency and biologic efficiency are not always the same trait, either, but the math is neither that complicated nor as simple as some try to make it.
While I'm known to be in the "small cow" camp, it concerns me when there seems to be almost universal acceptance in some circles that small cows are better. From a biologic efficiency standpoint, the data is clear that there is very little difference in biological efficiency between today's 1,000-lb. cows and 1,500-lb. cows. In fact, today's market signals would likely favor the larger cows from an economic efficiency standpoint, but those factors can and do change. Certainly, that can change dramatically whether you take a silo approach and only analyze profitability at the cow-calf level, or analyze profitability from a total systems approach, which ultimately is the final arbitrator.
Efficiency advantages of competitors
We always talk about the efficiency advantage of poultry, pork and even foreign countries from a cost-of-production standpoint, but we tend to forget the takeaway lessons. A large part of the efficiency advantage of pork and poultry results from integration and their ability to maximize profitability from that total systems view.
They don't have the beef industry's segmentation that leads to a vicious cycle where maximizing short-term gains leads to declining demand and being less competitive in the long term. We must look at efficiency from a total systems approach, just like we must look at value and quality from a total systems approach or we will make incorrect decisions.
Secondly, our competitive advantage is, and will likely always be, that we are the low-cost producer of high-quality, corn-fed beef. We must maintain and broaden our perceived quality advantage; we can't compete with other countries on a grass-fed basis. Those who advocate differently are arguing that the future of small retail is competing with Walmart on the basis of price, or that American manufacturing will grow by being lower cost than China.
Ground beef is, and always will be, a big part of our market. Thank goodness for McDonald's, Taco Bell and Hamburger Helper, but nobody in their right mind wants to start grinding flat iron steaks or middle meats! In fact, the industry's best-case scenario is to need to import lean grindings to meet demand; that means we're selling our product for more value.
I love hamburger, but nobody can make a living making solely hamburger meat. The "too expensive" argument simply is not backed by the data; again, demand has not been weakening at these higher prices.
Certainly, we have to be more customer-centric, and the industry needs to be commended for making the changes it has to stop the decline in beef demand. The demand trend from the mid-'70s to the early '90s wasn't sustainable.
Plus, it isn't possible for us to buy back the market share that our competitors won from us. Price beef competitively with pork and poultry and you won't see a shrinking beef industry but a non-existent one replaced by foreign competitors.
Chicken lowered costs, improved quality, uniformity, consistency and convenience, while we were putting out a subpar product that did not deliver on the value equation. Beef will always cost significantly more than chicken; the key is that we can justify those higher price levels.
The bears use the same trend line that occurred in the last 25 years and project it out and say that beef consumption will be 30 lbs. in another 25 years. Why that is untrue would take pages to explain, but suffice it to say that chicken and poultry won't have the kind of efficiency gains they've enjoyed in the past; nor is beef today strictly a commodity product that doesn't respond to consumer needs. We've invested millions in promoting and improving our product, and we are now grasping the opportunity to greatly improve efficiency.
Consumers less willing to settle
Another important point is that, at today's per-capita consumption level of 56 lbs., consumers aren't as willing to substitute pork and poultry for beef as they were when it was in the lower 70-lb. range. Without question, the battle for the center of the plate will be determined in part by production efficiencies; that's an area the beef industry has decidedly more opportunity to improve than our competitors. However, quality also plays a crucial role in that.
Sadly, the doom and gloom crowd will have plenty of ammunition over the next couple of years, as supplies are expected to continue to tighten as expansion begins and as population and exports rise. Total beef supplies will certainly decline, but profitability will increase, and thus eventually production.
Probably the most absurd math of all is when the bears point to the trend for more consumer demand for ground beef. Certainly, cooking methods have changed in the past few decades. There aren't as many roasts being consumed, and the industry has been addressing the decline of the value of the non-middle meat cuts. In fact, we've actually seen good success in this area, with the value of those cuts rising in comparison to the middle meats. The bottom line is that the overall value of the carcass has been moving forward at a very healthy pace. Ground beef is the king of foods, but consumers love and are still eating their steak as well.
The reality is that – along with the efficiency of beef production – land values, ethanol, transportation costs, labor etc., have all increased dramatically. Cattlemen are, and will continue to be, very astute business people. The commodity business model has forced the industry to adopt a low-cost producer mindset, and it will continue to be the key to survival. That's just a competition that will never cease.
However, it all comes down to the value equation, and we will not and cannot win that competition based solely on price. Everyone supports market differentiation and niche marketing, but it's misguided at best – and arrogant at worst – to suggest that the current mainstream model has developed because the industry does not understand the consumer and that the grass-fed model or other niche markets are the answer.
We'll continue to lower costs of production through genetics, improved management, and new technologies, but the ultimate focus has to be demand because it determines the dollars flowing into our industry. And the dollars flowing into our industry will be the primary arbitrator of industry size.
Many other industries have attained their efficiencies by applying new technologies and reducing labor costs. Rarely did they gain those efficiencies by downgrading the quality of their product. The market is doing a better job than ever of signaling what it desires, and the American cattlemen are doing a tremendous job of responding to those signals.
If anything, we need to redouble those efforts. Returning to the production model of the past may be the answer for some, but it isn't the answer for the industry as a whole. It is really simple math, if we take the time to listen to a changing marketplace.


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Welcome to my blog! I'm a Sr. Software Development Engineer in the Seattle area, who has been performing C++/C#/Java development for over 20 years, but have definitely learned that there is always more to learn!
All thoughts and opinions expressed in my blog and my comments are my own and do not represent the thoughts of my employer.
Once again, in this series of posts I look at the parts of the .NET Framework that may seem trivial, but can help improve your code by making it easier to write and maintain. The index of all my past little wonders posts can be found here.
I have had the pleasure to program in a variety of programming languages throughout the years including the trifecta of C++, Java, and C#. It's often interesting how these three languages are so similar and yet have such key differences as well. Each of them has features that I miss when I work with the others. But, if I had to pick one standout feature that I love in C# (and long for when working with the other languages) it would be LINQ.
There is a wealth of algorithmic and framework components in LINQ that make development more rapid and code easier to maintain. Extension methods, are a ubiquitous feature of LINQ even if you don't know you are using them. And even without using LINQ, they are a very interesting feature of .NET in of itself and worth a more detailed discussion.
An extension method, in brief, is the ability to "extend" a type through some syntactical sugar. Now, I say "extend" in quotes because it really does nothing to the other type at all, it simply defines a static method in a static class and identifies the type you are "extending" as the first parameter by preceding it with the this keyword in the parameter list.
For example, you could say:
1: // class has to be static
2: public static class IntExtensions
3: {
4: // method has to be static, first parameter is tagged with the 'this'
5: // keyword, the type of the parameter is the type that is extended.
6: public static int Half(this int source)
7: {
8: return source / 2;
9: }
10: }
Now, even with the this keyword, this is really just a static method like any other and thus you could invoke it like:
1: // Invoking as if it were an ordinary, static method
2: var two = IntExtensions.Half(4);
But the magic of extension method's syntactical sugar is that you can invoke them as if they were first-class methods of the type they "extend":
1: // Extension method behave as if they were really members of
2: // the type they extend, thus we can call Half() on any integer.
3: var two = 4.Half();
Once again, this is really just syntactic sugar. The instance of the type being "extended" is passed as the first parameter into the static method in the generated byte-code for you. Thus, the shorter, cleaner syntax will in the end compile just like the more traditional syntax in the previous example. But this syntactic sugar can not only shorten simple calls like the above, but can allow for chaining of multiple methods (extension and first-class both) in a very fluent way.
Let's expand our integer extensions with a few more ideas:
1: public static class IntExtensions
2: {
3: public static int Half(this int source)
4: {
5: return source / 2;
6: }
8: public static int Cube(this int source)
9: {
10: return (int)Math.Pow(source, 3);
11: }
13: public static int Square(this int source)
14: {
15: return (int)Math.Pow(source, 2);
16: }
17: }
Now, what if you had the above methods and wanted to take 13, Cube() it, then take Half(), then Square() the result using these methods? If you wanted to do this using traditional static method syntax, you'd have to write:
1: // The repetition of the type name and nesting gets confusing...
2: var ans = IntExtensions.Square(IntExtensions.Half(IntExtensions.Cube(13)));
Ugh, that's a mess! But with extension method syntactical sugar, you get a much cleaner and easier to read result:
1: // Much better, says take 13, cube it, half it, square it.
2: var ans = 13.Cube().Half().Square();
So, we see there is a lot of power here to extend types in a very fluent way. But I've only hinted at one of the things that make extension methods so very powerful. I said they could be used to "extend" any type. I don't mean just struct or class or primitives, I mean interfaces as well.
The great thing about interfaces is that they can be used to specify a public contract without regard to implementation details needed to satisfy that contract. This of course means that interfaces provide no method bodies. But, many times when we are defining a complete interface, it is possible to define functionality without needing to know the implementation of the interface at all!
Consider, for example Enumerable.Count(), this is an extension method in System.Linq that will give you the count of any sequence of IEnumerable<T>. It doesn't care how that interface is implemented (though it has a performance short-cut for Collection implementations). All it needs to do is to be able to know when it's empty, and how to get the next item, both of which are specified in IEnumerable<T>, thus you can provide this functionality using only the interface of IEnumerable<T> itself. It can be a HashSet<T>, List<T>, T[], or any other sequence of items and you can always get a Count().
As another example, let's create our own extension method to chop a sequence of IEnumerable<T> into slices of a given size. That is, if we had an array of size 32, and we wanted to divide it into slices of size 13, we should get back as output three sequences of size 13, 13, and 6.
1: // some extension methods for IEnumerable<T>
2: public static class EnumerableExtensions
4: // first argument is the source,second is the max size of each slice
5: public static IEnumerable<IEnumerable<T>> Slice<T>(this IEnumerable<T> source, int size)
6: {
7: // can't slice null sequence
8: if (source == null) throw new ArgumentNullException("source");
9: if (size < 1) throw new ArgumentOutOfRangeException("size", "The size must be positive.");
11: // force into a list to take advantage of direct indexing. Could also force into an
12: // array, use LINQ grouping, do a Skip()/Take(), etc...
13: var sourceList = source.ToList();
14: int current = 0;
16: // while there are still items to "slice" off, keep going
17: while (current < sourceList.Count)
18: {
19: // return a sub-slice using an iterator for deferred execution
20: yield return sourceList.GetRange(current, Math.Min(size, sourceList.Count - current));
21: current += size;
22: }
23: }
24: }
Notice that everything we are using on source is available publically for any IEnumerable<T> since they are either public interface methods declared on IEnumerable<T>, or other extension methods provided in System.Linq.
So now, we could use this method to process any sequence in slices! For example, what if we had an array of 1000 items, and wanted to process them in parallel in lots of 10?
1: int[] items = Enumerable.Range(1, 1000).ToArray();
3: // Process each slice of 10 items in parallel!
4: Parallel.ForEach(items.Slice(10), s =>
5: {
6: foreach (var item in s)
7: {
8: Console.WriteLine(item);
9: }
10: });
Now you can! And with the fluent interface extension methods provide, you could easily chain the extension methods in a very easy-to-read way. For example, what if you wanted to process the cube of all the numbers from 1 to 1000 in groups of 10? We can chain in LINQ's Select() extension method and our Cube() int extension to get:
1: // Simply says select a sequence of the cube of each item,
2: // then slice the sequence into lots of size 10
3: Parallel.ForEach(items.Select(i => i.Cube()).Slice(10), s =>
5: ...
6: });
You may have also noticed that we made our extension method check for a null on our source parameter. This is generally considered good form. It is possible to call an extension method off of a null instance, but many people think this is inappropriate because it would cause a problem for first-class methods. That said, you can get a lot of power from allowing a null first argument in an extension method so I leave it up to you.
My main piece of advice would be that if your first argument will allow null, the name should state it. For example, you could write:
1: public static class ArrayExtensions
3: // returns length if not null, otherwise zero.
4: public static int NullSafeLength<T>(this T[] source)
6: return source != null ? source.Length : 0;
7: }
8: }
And this would allow you to collapse this:
1: if (myArray != null && myArray.Length > 0)
3: ....
4: }
To this:
1: if (myArray.NullSafeLength() > 0)
3: ...
I personally don't have a problem with extension methods like this allowing null because the name makes it obvious that this is safe. There are those who don't agree and never think it should be possible, though, so I leave it up to you and your team to decide what style you prefer.
Well, we've seen the power of extension methods, but as with all good things, this power can be abused. All I'm trying to say is, just because you can make a many things extension methods doesn't mean that everything should be an extension method.
For example, what would you say about this example:
3: // converts an int number of seconds to milliseconds for use in
4: // Thread.Sleep() and other timeout methods...
5: public static int Seconds(this int source)
7: return source * 1000;
8: }
9: }
I ran across this gem in some source online, I'm sure the well-meaning individual was hoping to use this to make code like this easier to read:
1: Thread.Sleep(30.Seconds());
Which hey! That looks great and fluid! The problem is, not every integer represents time, and not every usage of time implies milliseconds. Thus this extension method has a very localized purpose and doesn't really apply to all integers as a whole.
Consider, what if someone took this well meaning method and did this:
1: // Whoops. I really meant 50 seconds!!!
2: var timeout = TimeSpan.FromSeconds(50.Seconds());
They'd then have 50,000 seconds of wait time. The method above is tuned to return milliseconds from seconds, which neither the name nor the return type implies! An int can represent anything: days, hours, minutes, puppies, extra lives, etc. Again, consider if someone would have employee.Age.Seconds() thinking it would convert their age in seconds, to only discover they are now 1000 times older.
Thus, you should always be careful when you create new extension methods that the problem being solved by the extension method fits both the type being extended, and the result appropriately for the domain of values.
As a final note on extension methods, one should always be aware not to let their dirty laundry air out in public. Just as it's a best practice to put types in namespaces to avoid collisions, I would put extension methods in their own namespaces as well so that users have to explicitly include the namespace to use them.
Why? Because it gives users a choice. Look at LINQ, if you want to use one of LINQ's extension methods, you must state using System.Linq to make them available (syntactically). That means that if a user doesn't want to be bothered with them, they simply don't import the namespace and they won't see them.
This also means that you won't pollute your IntelliSense needlessly as well. When you create extension methods in the global namespace (or some other high-traffic one) it can get annoying if every time you press the '.' on an instance it shows every extension method under the sun. You can, for example, create extension methods off of object, which means it would apply to every type. While there are occasionally uses for extensions on object, you should be aware that that means that the extension method will show up in every IntelliSense member list when you press the '.' key. Having these extensions in their own namespace, again, will prevent this unless someone really wants it to be visible.
Extension methods are a very powerful feature of .NET, they allow you to attach functionality to "extend" a type (even interfaces) and have that method syntax behave as if it was a first-class method. This can enable very powerful and fluid interfaces which can help make code easier to use and maintain, if treated with respect and used properly.
Print | posted on Friday, March 8, 2013 12:47 AM |
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Yesterday I went to the salon to get my hair done for a family wedding this weekend. It reminded me that when I was at the BRCA conference earlier this summer in Toronto, I sat beside a woman whose hair had just begun to grow back — it was barely three-fourths of an inch long. She lamented that she had a wedding to go to that coming weekend and had no idea how she was going to look good with the limited amount of hair she had to work with. I recommended that she try using a hair product that my hairstylist recommended and showed me how to use when my hair began growing back. It's a fun product called hair paste.
When hair starts growing back, it isn't quite the hairdo we were dreaming about during chemotherapy. My hair was curly and looked like I had four tufted patches on my head: one on the back, two on each side, and one on the top. It was the kind of hairdo you would expect to see on a circus clown. But my hairstylist Ronda came to my rescue — as always, she knew what to do.
Ronda has been my stylist since I came to Michigan almost eight years ago. I found her when I went to a salon hoping they could copy the same blonde shade my stylist in Toronto had been using to color my hair. My first attempt to find a color expert in my new hometown left me with bright orange hair, and I had to return to Toronto to fix it. Travelling to Toronto every time I needed to have my hair done was not going to work for me. Fortunately, I walked into the salon where Ronda worked. She had every confidence that she could give me my blonde hair; I loved her instantly.
Ronda did my last coloring before I lost my hair to chemotherapy. I called to let her know I had developed breast cancer and wouldn't be seeing her for a while. After almost six months of absence from the salon, Ronda phoned to see how I was doing. I excitedly told her my hair was growing back, and she insisted I come in to see her so she could clip it and fix it up. I thought it was funny to go for a haircut when I barely had any hair, but I am so glad I did. She turned the clown 'do into a cool and chic-looking short style. She then showed me how to use hair paste to style my hair. It is thick and white — just like toothpaste — but you can use it to create a cool-looking style. I would push up the back and sides and pull the front forward — it looked great for not even an inch of hair and eased the awkward period of growing my hair back.
All survivors of breast cancer have the same problem after chemotherapy. Our hair begins to grow back, often with a poodle curl, and we suffer through by still wearing a wig or looking clownish until it gets longer. So today I am sharing my stylist Ronda's hair paste trick for after-chemo hair. Companies like Redken, Rusk, and Bed Head by Tigi make it, and you can always ask your hair salon to order some for you. Give it a try — you might just learn to love your stylish short hairdo.
Stylish in Michigan,
Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health.


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Rooney finally put an end to speculation regarding his future on Friday night when he signed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2019, with Moyes backing him to earn his place alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best in the club's folklore.
It is a scenario which barely seemed plausible when Moyes took charge of the club weeks after Sir Alex Ferguson appeared to have signalled the end of Rooney's United career.
But Moyes, who brought Rooney through as a teenager at Everton, revealed how two early meetings with the forward put him back on the road to his best form.
"I remember when he came to see me," Moyes said in several newspapers
"I said to him: 'If you ask me what's missing - I think you've gone a bit soft'.
"I thought he hadn't been the hard-working, aggressive player he was
But now in games people are saying: 'Look at the effort he is putting in.' It's his work-rate, not just for himself but for the team
He's become an all-round team player who is also a technically gifted footballer."
Ferguson claimed at the end of last season that Rooney had asked to leave, and he was linked with a move to Chelsea last summer.
However, Moyes never had any intention of selling.
"I said to Wayne that I wanted him to stay," he added
"Before I'd actually come in here, I'd met Wayne privately a couple of times, to talk about his situation, to try to understand
So when I got in [on 1 July] I knew where Wayne was.
"The most important thing for Wayne was to show everyone what he really was and I think deep down he knows he didn't play as well as he could have done at times
I needed to try to get him back to that level
But in the end I just said to him: 'Wayne, go and get on with it.'
"His training was first class, he came back in great shape, you could really see the hunger back in his eyes again."
With Rooney now signed up for the next five-and-a-half years, he can chase down Charlton's record of 249 goals for the club, needing 42 more to eclipse it.
"It's a great opportunity to try to break those kinds of records," Rooney told MUTV.
"I'm not too far away even though I've still got a few goals to go, but I'm confident I can reach it
Hopefully it will happen and if it does it will be a really proud moment."
A more immediate goal for Rooney is helping United qualify for the Champions League.
The Red Devils sit 11 points off the top four ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.
Rooney could have left for guaranteed Champions League football this summer, but he wanted to stay because he is sure Moyes will eventually bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
"I know the direction that this club is going in, and if we don't make it this season then we will come back stronger and claim a Champions League spot next season," Rooney said on his official website.
"The future is bright for Manchester United."
Source : PA
Source: PA


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1001 Main Street
Lexington, Mo. 64067
(660) 259-4315 - Phone
(660) 259-6109 - Fax
My official title is Clerk of the County Commission. This office is responsible for all County Elections, Liquor Licenses, Auctioneer Licenses and Notaries. As always, it is a pleasure and a privilege to serve the citizens of Lafayette County.


text:
Flight out of U.S. stock funds acceleratesNovember 30, 2012: 11:29 AM ET
Investors have been pulling money of the U.S. stocks for months, but the pace of outflows has picked up during the past couple of weeks.
U.S. stock mutual funds lost more than $7.5 billion in the week ended Nov. 20, according to the Investment Company Institute, adding to the previous week's $6.6 billion withdrawal.
In total, investors have yanked more than $14 billion during the two weeks following President Obama's re-election, as they turn their attention to the debate over how to solve the fiscal cliff.
Investors are hopeful that lawmakers in Washington will come to an agreement that avoids the year-end tax hikes and spending cuts, but caution will prevail until an actual deal is struck. The so-called fiscal cliff could harm the economy at a time when the outlook for growth is already in question.
Related: Fiscal cliff countdown: Automatic spending cuts
The total outflow from stock funds now stands north of $125 billion for 2012.
While investors continue to favor bonds funds, demand has started to weaken a bit. During the latest week, investors added $4.5 billion to bond mutual funds, but that's less than the average $6.2 billion they've added each week in 2012.>
And demand for international stock funds and hybrid funds, which invest in both stocks and bonds, is also losing traction. After attracting funds for most of the year, international stock funds and hybrid funds lost more than $1 billion each last week for a second straight week.
Overall, mutual funds across asset classes bled $5.5 billion last week -- the most since the start of 2012.


text:
Deco-rated: Condo sports high-style design
ADDRESS: 408 East Market Street
BUILDING: 1,652 fin. sq. ft.
NEIGHBORHOOD: Maclin Building Downtown
CURB APPEAL: n/a
LISTED BY: Gerri Russell, Roy Wheeler Realty Co. 951-9581
The Arts and Crafts movement (roughly 1870-1900) was popularized by the work of William Morris and Pre-Raphaelite painters Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Holman Hunt. Characterized by flower motifs in items such as stained glass, wallpaper, and fabric (particularly elaborate embroidery), it also found expression in architecture, notably with the Queen Anne Revival, and with elements of the American Colonial period. Gustav Stickley's furniture designs are another manifestation of the movement.
Locally, several examples of Arts and Crafts– or "Craftsman style"– architecture are easy to spot, especially in the few extant "Sears houses" that came ready-to-assemble from the catalogue in the early 20th century. (There's a particularly nice example on Farish Street off Park.) In this Market Street condo, the Arts and Crafts elements are evident in the interior design.
In our review of an office suite in this building in December 2003, we noted then that major renovations were planned for the entrance and lobby. A new awning now makes it easier to identify the place between almost identical buildings on either side, and the common space on the third floor has elegant columns and lots of light from large windows at the front and back.
The two-bedroom, two-bath condo is also characterized by more light than one would expect in an interior unit in a center-of-the-block building. Several large skylights in the two-story-tall living room as well as glass walls in two loft rooms make the place almost as bright as conventional windows would.
Large windows likewise brighten the master bedroom suite in front, on Market Street. The master bath is another artsy confection, with glass bricks around the large shower, a European-style toilet (with the water in a box overhead, released by pull-chain), and tile floor. The current owner's previous life as proprietor of a New England bed and breakfast is evident in wide ceiling frieze as well as "classic Arlington columns."
The galley-style kitchen across the back, off the living room (under the loft), is the only place where claustrophobia might be a worry, but the problem is forestalled by imaginative cabinet lighting designed by Barboursville's Jaeger & Ernst Cabinetmakers. Each painted cabinet is brightened by a lighted stained glass panel (by artist Diane Fairburn). All the kitchen appliances, including a six-burner gas/convection Viking stove (and second oven), convey.
The main living space of the apartment is one big room (separated from the front bedroom suite by a small, curved artsy wall), but the small dining area is located just off the kitchen in such a way as to seem to be a separate space even without partitions.
Hand-painted ceramic tiles surround the fireplaces– one, a gas-burner in the living room and one in the master suite that's merely a design element. The banister on the stairway to the loft is composed of flowery verdigris ironwork, another Arts and Crafts fixture, and an elaborate mural provides a backdrop for the stairs themselves.
The loft/balcony is currently being used as a mini-gym, an inspired idea given the extensive mountain views and bright light from the adjoining slate-floored enclosed porch. But the space could just as easily be a second bedroom or study– if one didn't mind the lack of privacy from being directly over the living room– because there's a second, fully tiled bathroom up here.
One strange space at the top of the stairs is not quite big enough to count as a "room," but could perhaps be useful for plants or even a little chair for reading. The views there are also impressive once you look beyond the rooftop mechanical systems.
The $330/month condo fee includes elevator service and security, water, sewer, and trash collection, a storage unit, and– most valuable downtown– a parking space in the city garage across the street.
Currently the unit is rented ($1650/month), so the place might be of interest to crafty investors who don't want to move in themselves but who want to explore the art of the deal.


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Abbe House Inn
Voted #1 Inn in the country for Outdoor Sports Enthusiast for 2004 by the Inn Traveler.
King Mansion - Bed Breakfast & Cafe
Historic Bed & Breakfast & Art Gallery located in downtown Heber Springs, AR.
Empress of Little Rock B&B
Award Winning Small Luxury Hotel housed in a Gothic Queen Anne Mansion
Stay at a Cabot, Arkansas Bed and Breakfasts and Inns for the personal attention you desire. A Cabot B&B is a great alternative to hotels or motels while visiting the state of Arkansas!
Visit our Cabot, Arkansas bed and breakfast directory of historic, romantic, and adventure B&B's. You can browse through our detailed listings of Cabot, Arkansas bed and breakfasts and inns with nearby city listings that include pictures, room rates, booking information and area activities. Every Cabot, Arkansas b&b inns has complete contact information and a direct link to the innkeepers.


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Hi I'm new to the site so I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right forum. In 2009 we moved into a home which was about 14 yrs old. The first year an a half living there things were"normal" until last December when we began to experience burning smells at random times and in certain areas. Those smells lasted anywhere from. minute or so. We had 3 different electricians come out and not find any faulty wiring, had our vents cleaned out etc. No cause was found. then many other frightening things happened and I contacted my church and had a Catholic priest come out to do a house blessing. He even experienced the smell himself during the blessing. He suggested to us that we should move if it was affecting our family in a negative way. We did move to a new home in a town nearby. Things were fine for about 3 months and the smells have started again. I contacted our new Parrish and had our priest bless the house. He said that sometimes it could be a dead relative that may have trouble "moving on" and that we should pray for their peace. Things were fine for a month and I experienced the smell again. My family and I are to each other now and much closer to God and stronger in our faith. I'm frightened but not as frightened as before and I refuse to move again. It seems like whatever it is followed us. So moving again is not an option. I guess what I'm looking for is as many opinions on what it could be. We haven't been hurt and otherwise we continue life as normal. But I worry about the stress on me and my two young daughters , specially my oldest who is more aware of this strange of occurance. I apologize for the lengthy post. Thanks !!
Unexplained burning smells and other activity
Started by NJMommyOf2 , Oct 03 2012 05:27 PM
3 replies to this topic
Posted 03 October 2012 - 05:27 PM
Posted 04 October 2012 - 04:41 PM
I'm no help here as I have no idea what this could be. I do have a keen sense of smell though and drove my family batty one time as I kept insisting that I smelled a whiff of gas. Finally, I think just to shut me up, my husband and sons traced out the gas line which ran under a boxed in seating area on the patio and found a very small leak in the pipe. Of course they all kidded me about having the sense of smell like an animal after that!
Sometimes smells just linger in the air and the origin of them is nowhere near your house. It could be coming from somewhere else.
You mention your family is much closer to each other and God and stronger in your faith now..... Might be the very reason it occurs? God works in mysterious ways.
Sometimes smells just linger in the air and the origin of them is nowhere near your house. It could be coming from somewhere else.
You mention your family is much closer to each other and God and stronger in your faith now..... Might be the very reason it occurs? God works in mysterious ways.
"We grow neither better or worse as we get old, but more like ourselves."May L. BeckerCoffee.......the foundation of consciousness
Posted 13 October 2012 - 10:34 AM
I have also had the experience of extremely foul smells of no seemingly possible origin in my home. The foul odor of usually rotting meat or scent with flesh like attributes seemed to pass by and then dissappear. Although this was accompanied with other strange events in the house. Where this smell came from, what it is and whether it is paranormal or not is not clear to me. The point is that I have had this happen to me too.
Posted 21 December 2012 - 03:02 AM
Hello, in my experience I believe you may have a spirit that is connected with your family in some way. A lot of people will feel cold spots or a energy presence when spirits come around maybe some way the smell is connected with a death in the family or some how to someone connected to use? I wouldn't be afraid maybe it's your faith that is keeping this spirit close to uses, like it safe or feels apart of your family. Maybe you your self some day should sit down and ask who it is or why it's there. But if you are bothered and don't want it around be nice and ask it to leave be straight with it tell it why. If it still doesn't want to go be firm but polite that you want it to leave. When you do this for the second time get your family together and all of use tell it to go that use aren't comfortable having it around. Who knows maybe use will learn who it is and welcome this spirit into your house. I hope this info can help you.
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197 in stock
4" clear peel-n-stick sticker with art design from Sketchy Tank "Beer Makes Friends"... Cheers!
(2nd image is what the sticker looks like applied on a tinted window of a car)
PLEASE READ ALL OF THE TERMS & CONDITIONS BELOW.The general public will be able to pick-up their orders at the Brewery (side bay door). In order to pick-up your order, you will need to show your valid photo ID. Any orders placed that are not retrieved due to quarantine will still be available for pick-up once the quarantine is over. Pick-ups must be completed within a 4-week window after the mandated quarantine is lifted, otherwise, your order will be cancelled without refund since the beer will likely be out of date code. REFUNDS AND EXCHANGES:Please note that we will not issue refunds, exchanges, or returns. All sales are final. Any orders not retrieved by the deadlines listed above will be surrendered back to the brewery (NO exceptions).SHIPPING:
Beer that is ordered for shipping to your door will only be allowed within the state of California. ORDER ACCEPTANCE POLICY:Your receipt of an electronic or other form of order confirmation does not signify our acceptance of your order, nor does it constitute confirmation of our offer to sell. Black Plague Brewing reserves the right at any time after receipt of your order to accept or decline your order for any reason or to supply less than the quantity you ordered of any item.Copyright and Trademark NoticeUnless otherwise specified, all materials appearing on this site, including the text, site design, logos, graphics, icons, and images, as well as the selection, assembly and arrangement thereof, are the sole property of Dark Ages Brewery LLC. Copyright © 2020, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may use the content of this site only for the purpose of shopping on this site or placing an order on this site and for no other purpose. No materials from this site may be copied, reproduced, modified, republished, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means without prior written permission of Dark Ages Brewery LLC. All rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Any unauthorized use of the materials appearing on this site may violate copyright, trademark and other applicable laws and could result in criminal or civil penalties.


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Parallax released its source code design files for the Propeller 1 (P8X32A) multicore microcontroller at the DEFCON 22 Conference in Las Vegas, where the chip was also featured on the conference's electronic badge. Parallax managers said they anticipate the release will inspire developers. Hobbyists, engineers, and students can now view and modify the Propeller Verilog design files by loading them into low-cost field programmable gate array (FPGA) development boards. The design was released under the GNU General Public License v3.0.
With the chip's source code now available, any developer can discover what they need to know about the design. The open release provides a way for developers who have requested more pins, memory, or other architectural improvements to make their own version to run on an FPGA. Universities who have requested access to the design files for their engineering programs will now have them.
The Propeller multicore microcontroller is used in developing technologies where multiple sensors, user interface systems, and output devices such as motors must be managed simultaneously. Some primary applications for Parallax's chip include flight controllers in UAVs, 3-D printing, solar monitoring systems, environmental data collection, theatrical lighting and sound control, and medical devices.
For more information on Parallax's open source release of the Propeller P8X32A, visit www.parallax.com.
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Home Smoke Alarms
|Smoke alarms are extremely effective tools for preventing home fires and saving lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 65 percent of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms at all or in homes with no functioning smoke alarms.
Follow these tips to make sure your smoke alarms are keeping you safe:
For more smoke alarm tips, visit the NFPA.


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Art is a hard theory to put into practice
posted by Anne Walk at 7:55 PM
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She went to the movies and starred in all of them.
She was prolific in her search for happy endings.
She liked to watch the credits roll.
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Anne Walk, 2005, Penticton, B.C, Canada


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Dec 5th: Gingerbread Houses and Gingerbread Men with Wells Fargo Volunteers 5:30pm-7:30pm
Dec 7th: VPK Field Trip
Dec 9th: Wells Fargo Volunteers to spruce up the center
Dec 12th: Hearing and Vision Screening
Dec 25th-26th, Jan1st-2nd: Center Closed
The VPK children have been invited to Fiddlesticks for Holiday Caroling on Thursday, December 7th from 11:30AM-2:30PM. The children have been very busy practicing and making props. This year's entertainment will include audience participation. We are asking parents to join us as chaperones if their schedules permit.
All children age 3 to 5 will be screened for hearing and vision on December 12th. Please have your children here by 10:00AM. There will not be any makeup days, so mark your calendars. We will be sending home permission form in December.
Please help us collect socks and scarves for the residents of the Page Field Convalescent Center. This will be our third year collecting socks for the residents. The staff at Page Field have also asked the children for scarves. Children will also be busy creating Holiday Cards. On Friday, December 21th the children will go from room to room delivering Holiday Cards and the gift of warm socks and scarves as they sing Holiday songs through the hallways. Please help us reach our goal of 300 pairs of warm socks and scarves, to keep the feet and hearts of our elderly warm. Parents are welcome to join us on December 21th at 10:00AM. Come feel the JOY!
A fun advent idea to countdown the days until Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanza. Shop at a children's consignment store such as "Once Upon a Child" or "Goodwill" to get your books in good condition for only around $1. Also you can get inexpensive books from ordering from our school catalogs through scholastic books. This is a good alternative to candy. Promotes literacy and counting!
Children love to help in the kitchen-it gives them a chance learn about math and to be creative! Share recipes with your child that have been passed down to you from your parents.
Enjoy those holiday classics, your kids will bound to love them! Make some popcorn and spend some time together!
Join the VPK and Lion children as they celebrate the Holiday Season in their classroom on Thursday, December 21st, after the Page Field Convalescent Center festivities. Children are invited to come in their pajamas, enjoy holiday songs, friendship and cheer. Parents are welcome to join the children in their celebration.
The Tigers will be celebrating the New Year with a party on December 29th. The children are planning everything from the decorations to the food and games. Look for more details as the children continue their planning!
"Everything we do improves the lives of children."
Child Care of Southwest Florida 6831 Palisades Park Ct. Suite 6 Fort Myers, Florida 33912 You received this email because your child is enrolled at one of the Child Care Centers of Southwest Florida. Our 6 locations: The Children's Learning Center at FSW | Joseph H. Messina Child Care Center | P.A. Geraci Development Center | The Community Children's Center | Children's Garden of LaBelle | Harlem Academy Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails


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Welcoming your calls and emails WORLDWIDE!We sell specialize and sell vacations to the Caribbean, Costa Rica, & MexicoCelebrating 32 years in business! Toll-free: 1-877-380-4142
Secrets Wild Orchid ResortMontego Bay, Jamaica All-inclusive Unlimited-Luxury®
Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay Resort & Spa. Completely encompassed by the Caribbean Sea, this adults only resort sits serenely on over a mile of private beach on the Montego Bay peninsula. Made for the youthful soul and the young of heart, guests will discover a vibrant, hip locale with the exclusive amenities of Unlimited-Luxury®, beginning with 24-hour room service and breathtaking ocean views. From indigenous art to chic design, the resort takes its inspiration from the island's gorgeous surroundings, steeped in the Ethiopian roots of Jamaica's African ancestors.
Awarded the Best Resort in the Caribbean in 2012 by Travel & Leisure Magazine, Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay Resort offers its guests premium accommodations and services.
The resort is tucked away on a half mile stretch of paradise on the northwest coast of Jamaica, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean lap against sugar-white sand, there is a romantic resort that exudes true Jamaican enchantment. Along this private beach, just 20 minutes from the Montego Bay International Airport and a world away from life's demands, you will discover 350 sumptuous suites.
On an island that was once part of the British Empire, the Secrets Resort in Montego Bay presents guests with a quiet, relaxing, oceanfront destination that is conveniently located close to many attractions for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy waterfalls, superb golfing, a dolphin adventure and many more attractions located around beautiful Montego Bay.
A legendary great house in Jamaica Known for its history and tales of being haunted.
Enjoy interacting and swimming with the Dolphins at this exciting adventure located a mere 30 minutes from the airport.
Five golf courses including:
Dunn's River Falls
This major Caribbean tourist attraction with its massive water falls is a great day trip for couples, families and friends. Guests enjoy climbing to the top of the falls and swimming in them.
Rick's Café was the first bar and restaurant of its kind built in a small fishing town with little modern development. The restaurant is known for its deep history and for being located alongside a cliff surrounded by beautiful Jamaican scenery.
This legendary Jamaican-born music star is idolized through theater and a memorabilia store at the Half Moon Shopping Village
Located off the beaten path of Jamaica, the South Coast is known for its privacy and miles of beautiful beaches.
Every detail of your Montego Bay island retreat is thoughtfully considered. Spacious Junior, Grand, Master and Presidential Suites complete with all of the elements for relaxation and reconnection with your companion, led by your gorgeous view of the Caribbean ocean. All 350 luxurious suites feature British colonial décor and a lavish array of amenities.
*Additional costs may apply
The Main Building has 260 rooms and 5 floors offering the following room categories:
In addition to the above amenities the Junior Suite Ocean View also offers stunning views of the turquoise Caribbean.
In addition to the above, the Preferred Club Suites include
Ordinary doesn't happen. . . especially when it comes to adventures in gastronomy. You'll start and end your days in a culinary adventure being served by waiters who appear to have read your mind. No wristbands or reservations are required at any of the nine restaurants and nine bars.
Offering guests the opportunity to dine at a total of 9 restaurants: 1 buffet, 7 á la carte and a café. All restaurant openings rotate throughout the week. Number of restaurants open for each meal is dependent upon occupancy.
Offering 9 bars and lounges, serving premium brand domestic and international brand beverages ranging from swim-up to a nightly music lounge.
Guests enjoy Unlimited-Luxury® Service including:
At any time of the day, the resort has exciting and fun activities waiting for you. Whether it is land or water sports your prefer, if it isn't enough to just lay by the pool, the resort has the perfect activity for you. Quite simply, 24-hours a day, you will have access to a wide variety of leisure pursuits and entertainment options. Whether you enjoy sports, relaxing in a hot tub, or dance classes. Secrets offers the perfect selection for you.
*additional costs apply
The Promenade, conveniently located, includes an array of shops, gourmet a la carte dining options and state-of-the-art theater offering a variety of nightly shows.
*additional cost applies
Three wedding gazebos located on the beach provide stunning ocean views
Located within the Promenade, this air-conditioned gaming area offers 19 machines comprised of Poker, Keno, Video Slots and Blackjack. The air-conditioned gaming lounge stretches nearly 155 square meters and has the ability to accommodate up to 40 people. Open 24 hours a day.
The Business Center spans to nearly 700 sq. feet and offers a variety of business equipment including:
Step into the spa and step into supreme indulgence. At Secrets Spa by Pevonia, enjoy a wide selection of invigorating and revitalizing treatments, no matter what your pleasure. The expansive spa offers a sublime atmosphere of pure indulgence combining hydrotherapy and indigenous treatments creating a refreshing and peaceful experience.
The state-of-the-art Fitness Center stretches nearly 430 square feet and offers a variety of cardio-conditioning equipment that includes:
Couples will rejoice in a pristine locale embedded with luxury and romance. With wedding and honeymoon packages expertly designed to exceed expectations and a myriad of special touches for added personalization, the perfect stress-free event awaits. Three wedding gazebos are located on the beach provide stunning ocean views
Substance and style is the foundation of this lovely Secrets Jamaica Resort. Creating a comfortable atmosphere for conducting business is necessary. Whether a trade show, annual corporate meeting, or video conference, all the tools of the trade are at your disposal - beginning with a specious convention hall. Just steps away you and your colleagues and clients will find all manner of respite after the work is done . . . cozy beach with Caribbean backdrop, fitness center, pool, Spa, nearby championship golf and so much more.
Toll-free: 1-877-380-4142Quote RequestNewsletter Signup Book your Vacation Package Now!Email: [email protected]
Judy & Maria,
I just wanted to thank you both for helping us plan the most amazing honeymoon to Secrets Wild Orchid! From the time we arrived to the time we left they treated us like royalty. We arrived and they informed us that we were upgraded to the preferred section which was an added bonus. We loved it so much we are trying to convince a few more couples to go back with us next summer so you might be hearing us again. Again, thank you for all your help and for making our trip effortless.
Jeanne RichardsonWebster, NY
Toll Free: 877-380-4142 Local: 610-380-1331 Fax: 610-380-0639 637 Farmland Way Coatesville, PA USA 19320
email: [email protected] Quote: Request A Quote https://www.judyandmariastravel.com Judy & Maria's Booking & Bonus Promotions
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Call Judy and Maria's Travel, Inc. Toll-free at 1-877-380-4142 to obtain a vacation quote or to reserve your vacation. Representatives are standing by to take your call or email: [email protected] Quote RequestFree Newsletter
Save on your vacation!
New TSA regulations require that passports be valid for at least six (6) months beyond travel dates. If your passport is set to expire in under six months from your return date, you must renew it prior to travel.
Book Your Excursions, Fishing Trips,
Swim with Dolphins, Airport Transfers and More with Amstar DMC


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sick days
I have to apologize for the radio silence. I caught the flu Saturday and I've basically been out of commission ever since. Finally tonight, Tuesday night, I'm starting to feel a bit more like myself again, not so tired and weak and I've got loads to work to catch up on now.
I think all these long days, sleepless nights have caught up with me & my body is forcing me to rest. It's really such ironic timing though. I had just about completely caught up with shop orders and I was planning a weekend of working on the house, spending time with the boys and planning our trip to NY next month. Now, I'm peddling fast to get make up for time lost.
It's important to me to keep up with the blog but if it's spotty again this week, I promise next week will be better!
Oh, and I guess I had not mentioned our NY trip until just now. Jeremiah will be celebrating 5 yrs of marriage in June and we've always wanted to see New York. We will be visiting some dear friends, seeing the sights and eating some good food. I cannot wait! If anyone has some must-see places to suggest, leave a comment because I would love to know.
Also, thank you thank you to everyone who commented on the last post! I loved reading everyone else's struggle with maintaining the housework among other responsibilities. I feel bad that so many of us have a hard time with it but I also feel much better to know I'm not alone!
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10 comments:
Do you have any assistants or interns? I would so so so recommend it. I just hired two interns who will be working with me unpaid for 3 months with the potential to be hired on in the Fall as paid assistants and investing in them while seeing how they are excited to help me has been really encouraging because I'm at a point now too where I literally dont have time to sleep.ReplyDelete
I hope that you are able to figure out something new in teh future to make sure you can get your rest. Your down time and rest, rejuvenation separate from work and even family is so essential to making sure your energy is sustainable. I bet that there are TONS of ladies out there who would love to donate their time to you to help you and give you that ease of life when work is so so busy. <3 It took me a year to finally decide to hire interns because I was afraid of feeling like I couldn't give enough to them in exchange for an unpaid position. But in working with them so far I have been so reassured that I have lots to give them and it brings me joy knowing that they can learn from and teach me as much as I can learn from and teach them. Community is so so helpful and you are so deserving of some assistant. You are such a powerful woman, maybe it's time to give some younger girls/women the opportunity to learn from you one on one while they support and uplift you?
xo Moorea
Me alegro de tu mejoría, y claro las cosas se amontonan pero seguro que poco a poco nos seguirás ofreciendo post tan lindos, tu trabajo, tu casa y además la ilusión de ese viaje!!!ReplyDelete
I hope you are feeling better and that you have a great trip to NYC. And congrats on the 5 years, how wonderful!ReplyDelete
I hope you feel better soon!ReplyDelete
i just got over two weeks of sickness. i'm still coughing a bit. awful. i feel your pain.ReplyDelete
also my husband and i will also be celebrating 5 years of wedded bliss in june. we don't have anything specific planned yet. i'm still searching for the perfect gift...
Oh New York! Can't wait to see your pics. It's awful looking after a toddler when sick, everything is so exhausting, but yay to feeling better!ReplyDelete
Stay well, and take time out for you!
- onewomanMay 23, 2012
Where to begin?ReplyDelete
I think you might really like the High Line - great for a stroll and elevated for wonderful photos plus Israel might like the association with trains and tracks, almospheric Chelsea Market for an icecream stop along the way, the ACE Hotel for continuity (with Stumptown Coffee, of course), MoMA, and areas to stroll around: definitely Soho, Williamsburg in Brooklyn, also East Village, West Village. Try Lower East side for trendy places to eat (Fat Radish, etc.) or more traditional New York places (Balthazar in Soho for brunch). Eataly is a great place for both people-watching and picking up Italian groceries - it's like a massive marketplace with restaurants thrown in in the middle.
Make sure you go around on Jane's Carousel in Dumbo - the little park there is a great place for views of Manhattan and Bubby's is great for kid-friendly food there, too.
If you're going child-free, check out the speakeasy scene! Raines Law Room, Maison Premier, Beaty & Essex, La Esquina Taqueria... there are plenty of fun ones. Roof terrace bars are also quite fun and some offer views nearly as good as the known places. If you want a Manhattan panorama, Top of the Rock is the best choice as you get timed tickets and don't need to stand in line. Best at twilight so you get both day and night.
Bowery Ballroom is a good and fairly intimate place to catch a concert. Or Lincoln Center / Carnegie Hall for more serious gigs.
Remember museum admission to a lot of places (like the Met or Natural History) is 'recommended' - you can pay what you like. In my view, Central Park is best on a bike.
I hope you have the most wonderful time.
After living in NYC for 11 years, I can recommend some more hidden places to eat that will delight you:ReplyDelete
Bianca. A lovely little Italian place with fresh-made pasta, located on Bleecker just above Bowery (where CBGB used to be located)
Bozu. A wonderful sushi joint in Williamsburg with unusual ways of creating and presenting. The Party Bomb platter and the Ryoan are amazing.
Fette Sau. East coast barbeque, also in Williamsburg.
New York Noodle Town. Authentic Chinese, in Chinatown. One of the best places to go for the real deal.
Paule Gee's. Wood fired pizza in Greenpoint. Get the bacon marmalade pizza and you will never forget it.
I agree with the High Line - it's one of my favorite places in town.
- AnonymousMay 26, 2012
Go to 'Ino. You won't regret it. Its super tiny, the panini with fresh fruits and marscapone is heaven on earth. Enjoy your time there!ReplyDelete
- courtneyMay 27, 2012
NYC, how fun! You definitely should visit the high line, it's amazing. Our favorite place to eat is Freeman's on the lower east side. Very cool decor and the food is great. Can't wait to see your pictures!ReplyDelete
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